Hamburg/Bremen, 11.05.2026 – The software service providers DAKOSY and dbh have successfully completed the major project for cross-port digitalization of container release (Secure Release Order) via the IT platform German Ports. In just one year, the two companies finalized the project from the registration of the first participant to the connection of all involved parties.
With the digital release process, a uniform standard for the German North Sea ports Hamburg, Bremerhaven, and Wilhelmshaven has been established across ports for the first time. Users include container terminals, shipping companies, and the involved freight forwarders and transport companies.
The seamless digital release process completely replaces the previously used PIN-based procedure. The basis is the digital right to pickup. This is passed in a secure and modern role and rights management system from one party to the next within the transport chain. In a gradual change process that spanned six months, all involved companies were mandatorily connected and the new process was established as the standard. This is already evidenced by over 700,000 digital releases this year across all ports.
Matthias Knicky, member of the management board at Kühne + Nagel, confirms: “The implementation of the Secure Release Order process proceeded smoothly and represents an important further step in increasing port security with efficient procedures. Through the new system and the uniform technical solution, we also create the foundation to digitalize the overall process holistically and significantly better.”
The binding legal framework for the digital container release process in Hamburg and Bremen is an amendment to the Port Security Act, which came into force in October 2025.
Through cross-border collaboration between government, port business, and the two software companies DAKOSY and dbh, a seamless digital process chain was created that goes far beyond the regulation. This includes the entire process from the arrival of the container to its pickup at the German North Sea ports.
With the uniform standard valid across ports, the North Sea ports collectively counteract drug smuggling and minimize potential loopholes for abuse and data breaches through targeted use of digitalization. The positive effects are clear from the perspective of Jens Hansen, Chief Operating Officer of Hamburg Port and Logistics (HHLA): “With the new standardized and clearly defined processes, we significantly increase the security of our terminal operations and employees. This benefits not only us as operators, but all partners along the entire logistics chain.”
In addition to effectively combating drug smuggling, the uniform digital standard in the North Sea ports has noticeably increased transparency and efficiency in container handling. Feedback from the industry shows the operational advantages of the German Ports service. These include faster goods availability, more transparent procedures, greater planning security, and fewer inquiries due to improved data quality.
Marc Dietrich, Managing Director of EUROGATE Container Terminal Bremerhaven (CTB), confirms the successful implementation and integration of the system into existing processes: “We are very satisfied with the system, its integration into our existing operational processes, and the now active productive operation.”
The milestones in the introduction of digital release (Secure Release Order)
- April 14, 2024: Start of registration/enrollment phase
- October 1, 2025: Amendment to Hamburg and Bremen Port Security Act comes into force
- October 1, 2025: Start of regular operation with gradual onboarding of terminals, freight forwarders, importers, and transporters
- March 23, 2026: Truck drivers are mandatorily included in the process as the last participant group
